Billie Jean White (née McKenzie) passed away on the evening of September 27, 2023, just two days shy of her 99th birthday.

Billie was born on September 29, 1924, in Springfield, MO, to Fred and Thelma McKenzie. She was raised alongside her younger brother, Jack, in a brick bungalow on what is now Missouri State University's campus. She graduated from Springfield Central High School in 1942, attended State

Teachers College (MSU) for 2 years. She then was employed at various locations in downtown Springfield. In 1949, she met her husband Joe on a blind date in Doling Park. She said she was smitten right away, and they married in 1950. She became a homemaker after they married and often cared for her many nieces and nephews. In 1956, Joe and Billie welcomed their daughter, Debbie. Joe and Billie were married for 66 wonderful years until Joe passed in 2016.

Her favorite place to spend time was at the family cabin on the Niangua River. She could always be heard shouting "Tally Ho" whether she was in the boat or waving goodbye from the porch. All who were lucky enough to spend time at the cabin were treated to her famous cabin potatoes.

Billie always dressed as though she might be going to a party even if she was just going to the grocery store and she always accessorized with the perfect shoes—a love her daughter and grandchildren got from her. Her hair always looked perfectly fluffed as she never missed her weekly appointment at the Beauty Shop.

Billie will be remembered for her never-ending positivity, her wide smile, hospitality, friendship, and chatty nature. She never met a stranger and her family often joked that she could easily have a conversation with a brick wall. Billie was a devoted wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, and friend. In her later years, most everyone knew her as "Cookie," a name she was given by her eldest grandson. She was a charter member of Twin Oaks Country Club ,Elks Club, and La Soiree Dance Club.

She was a dear friend and comforting presence to all who preceded her in death. Billie is survived by her daughter Debbie Rollinson and husband Paul; grandchildren Ryan Walter and wife Alison; Shannon Hruska and husband David; and Joseph Rollinson; and great grandchildren Calloway, Elliott, and Ari Walter.

In lieu of flowers, her family has asked for donations to be made in Billie's name to Ozarks Food Harvest, Regional Hospice, or charity of choice. The family wishes to thank the staff of Springfield Villa and Regional Hospice for their kind care of Billie.  She will be buried in White Chapel Memorial Gardens alongside her husband under the care of Gorman Scharpf Funeral Home.  Celebration of life will be from 1:00 - 3:00 PM on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at Twin Oaks Country Club.